Device and method for examining a body lumen

Abstract

An in vivo examining device and method are described. The in vivo examining device has two operational phases; an initial phase in which the device is of initial dimensions and a final phase in which the device is of final dimensions. In the initial phase the device can pass freely through a normally configured body lumen whereas it may not be able to pass freely through an abnormally configured lumen. In the final phase the device can pass freely through a body lumen even if it is abnormally configured.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority from Israeli Patent Application No. 144296, filed on Jul. 12, 2001, and from Israeli Patent Application No. 147126, filed on Dec.16, 2001, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a device and method for examining a body lumen. The device and method are useful, inter alia, in detecting abnormalities in a body lumen configuration.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Tubular organs in the body may have a convoluted cavity configuration. The gastrointestinal tract, for example, starts from the oral cavity and proceeds through the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and small intestine, which is a long tube that folds many times to fit inside the abdomen. The small intestine is connected to the large intestine, which begins with the cecum, a small saclike evagination, then continues with the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and the ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]Embodiments of the present invention provide a device and method for in vivo examination of a body lumen. In one embodiment of the invention, a safe and simple non-invasive tester and method of testing of a body lumen's configuration are provided. Also provided according to an embodiment of the invention are a device and method for detecting configurational abnormalities in body lumens. Configurational abnormalities may include clinical / anatomical abnormalities in body lumens, such as strictures in the GI tract. According to another embodiment the invention provides a device and method for testing motility in the GI tract.

Problems solved by technology

These body lumens may suffer from pathologies, which can affect the anatomy or configuration of the lumen.

Acute, complete obstruction of the esophagus may occur when food is lodged in the esophageal stricture.

However, in rare cases of severe strictures in the GI tract, swallowing of a solid bolus (such as an electronic or magnetically marked capsule) may cause obstruction of the GI tract.

Also, drug delivery devices that are solid non-degradable boluses may often be swallowed.

Thus, the swelling-controlled systems are initially dry and, when placed in the body, will absorb fluids and swell.

The swallowing of these systems may thus, in cases of strictures in the GI tract, cause obstruction of the GI tract.

This technique has several drawbacks, namely, low detection rate and exposure to x-ray radiation.

However, it may be difficult to predict if such devices, pills, or systems may achieve safe passage through the GI tract, short of actually attempting to pass the objects through the tract.

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